Mike Baird’s resignation could be a “glimmer of hope” for Woollahra as it continues its fight to prevent amalgamation

WOOLLAHRA mayor Toni Zeltzer has called on NSW Premier Mike Baird’s successor to “hand back democracy to the local community” in the wake of Mr Baird’s shock resignation.

NSW Premier Mike Baird announced his retirement at a press conference at his Martin Place office. Pic: Mark Evans

WOOLLAHRA mayor Toni Zeltzer has called on NSW Premier Mike Baird’s successor to “hand back democracy to the local community” in the wake of Mr Baird’s shock resignation.

Cr Zeltzer was one of several local Liberal leaders who farewelled Mr Baird after he told a press conference he wanted to spend more time with family members who were facing serious health challenges.

Prime Minister and Member for Wentworth Malcolm Turnbull thanked Mr Baird for his leadership.

“You’ve opened your heart and explained why you are retiring all too soon,” Mr Turnbull said.

“We understand that and I want to wish you, on behalf of myself and Lucy, you and Kerryn and all your family the very best and the greatest success in the years ahead.”

Mr Turnbull said NSW and the nation owed Mr Baird “a great debt”.

“You’ve restored the State’s finances and you are building the infrastructure that sets NSW up for the 21st century economy.

“You’ve played a great innings and we thank you for it.”

Vaucluse MP Gabrielle Upton said it was “a great honour” to be part of Mr Baird’s cabinet and described him as “a man of integrity with a big heart.”

“All the best Mike, Kerryn and family. A big thank you,” she said.

Member for Wentworth Malcolm Turnbull has wished Mr Baird and his family all the best. Picture: Hollie Adams/The Australian

Cr Zeltzer said constituents had already been on the phone to her about whether Mr Baird’s retirement would affect the State Government’s amalgamation agenda.

“Some constituents have indicated this gives them a glimmer of hope,” Cr Zeltzer said.

“I call on the new NSW Premier to hand back democracy to the local community and abandon the forced amalgamation of our municipality.”

Woollahra is waiting to hear when the High Court of Australia will hear its special leave application for an appeal against the proposed merger with Waverley and Randwick.

“I will be hoping to meet with the new Premier because I had asked a number of times to meet with Mr Baird and on all occasions those requests were denied.”

Woollahra mayor Toni Zeltzer has called on Mr Baird’s successor to abandon the amalgamation agenda. Picture: Craig Wilson

In his resignation speech Mr Baird said the Government would continue to make the “hard decisions” in regards to amalgamations as it would deliver benefits to the community in the long term.

“I would disagree with that,” Cr Zeltzer said.

“They are taking models out of economics textbooks about economies of scale and applying them to councils and communities while not taking into consideration the social and environmental implications,” she said.

Cr Zeltzer said local councils’ ability to kindle a sense of community and connectedness were not elements found in the pages of textbooks and could not be appreciated by financial models.

Mr Baird said the Government will continue with the amalgamations. Picture: Mark Evans

But she wanted to “wish him all the best for his future endeavours”.

“Family issues obviously weighed heavily on him so I respect his decision to resign and spend time with his family,” she said.

“He certainly got the State back on its feet by making more money available through his decision with the poles and wires so that money could be spent delivering big infrastructure projects.”

Coogee MP Bruce Notley-Smith said he had always been a “loyal and strong supporter” of Mr Baird.

“His retirement comes as a great shock to me and no doubt most people in this state,” he said.

“Mike has made positive changes to NSW which are unrivalled. As always I respect his decision.”